Goldie
Well-Known Member
You can get good or bad weather at any time of year, it's just that the incidence of bad weather varies. I've had an excellent crossings in December and May and a lousy one in July.
Biscay in mid-September
- Thread starter nickrj
- Start date
orizaba
Well-Known Member
we went in july i forgot to mention that vital bit of info,as has been said if you can carry enough fuel to motor/motor sail all the way no problem,unfortunatley we couldn't'
i also crewed on another boat corruna to liverpool in april again the conditions were fine,we had to wait in corruna, for a while to get the right weather window ,but no problem.
the weather forcasting is very good ,most people have a favourite weather site ,mines grib .us but with a bit of planning all should be ok,i think the thing is that you have to leave your departure dates open so you can go when you feel happy not when you have to be somewhere,
to allay the fears of nomad slightly 99% of people we have met have crossed with no problems at all and quite a few of them ended up motoring,most of the problem journeys i think it would be fair to say are deliveries and have to leave/be there by a set time, i know thats not always the case and as we all know the sea can change unexpectedly weather forecasts can be wrong and catch you out, but if you watch the weather in the area you want to go for 5-10 days before departure you will get an idea of its pattern
good luck and enjoy, look out for the dolphins,they always come and cheer you up when you need them
i also crewed on another boat corruna to liverpool in april again the conditions were fine,we had to wait in corruna, for a while to get the right weather window ,but no problem.
the weather forcasting is very good ,most people have a favourite weather site ,mines grib .us but with a bit of planning all should be ok,i think the thing is that you have to leave your departure dates open so you can go when you feel happy not when you have to be somewhere,
to allay the fears of nomad slightly 99% of people we have met have crossed with no problems at all and quite a few of them ended up motoring,most of the problem journeys i think it would be fair to say are deliveries and have to leave/be there by a set time, i know thats not always the case and as we all know the sea can change unexpectedly weather forecasts can be wrong and catch you out, but if you watch the weather in the area you want to go for 5-10 days before departure you will get an idea of its pattern
good luck and enjoy, look out for the dolphins,they always come and cheer you up when you need them
stephenh
Well-Known Member
Nomad, HenryB has a point.
"you are saying that you hit a bad storm in June"
No not a bad storm - a decent gale . An f8 out at 10 degrees W has long wave lengths and isn't that bad. Further in , with shorter and steeper waves it would have been.Also, because we had checked the forecasts, it was not only unexpected but "new" and so the sea had not had time to build up. Rain made the vis. poor, no storm jib and in a Bavaria - not really designed for that sort of thing - that kept us busy.
I have been out in worse in a "proper" boat and felt very safe.
Coincidently on that trip one of the crew, known for seasickness in smaller swells, had a sick-free trip.
What boat are you crossing in ?
good luck and enjoy
"you are saying that you hit a bad storm in June"
No not a bad storm - a decent gale . An f8 out at 10 degrees W has long wave lengths and isn't that bad. Further in , with shorter and steeper waves it would have been.Also, because we had checked the forecasts, it was not only unexpected but "new" and so the sea had not had time to build up. Rain made the vis. poor, no storm jib and in a Bavaria - not really designed for that sort of thing - that kept us busy.
I have been out in worse in a "proper" boat and felt very safe.
Coincidently on that trip one of the crew, known for seasickness in smaller swells, had a sick-free trip.
What boat are you crossing in ?
good luck and enjoy
jimbaerselman
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
I know optimal dates are June/July, but has anyone got experience or knowledge of what to expect slightly later?
[/ QUOTE ] Weather windows shorter, and less frequent, with slightly less reliability in the long term forecasts as a result.
Two genuine alternatives.
1. Wait for a weather window (4- 5 days?), then go well out to the west and accept that there's a 50% probability of finding a big wind, even if the weather window looked OK.
2. Instead of waiting, work your way around Brittany instead, then set off for a shorter time at sea, with your weather window prediction being more reliable. La Rochelle is the furthest south you'd go - only a two day (OK, maybe 3) window needed.
For arrival, always be flexible, with your list of ports 'safe to enter in all weathers' at hand. Then you can always do a downwind run for that last bit rather than being clapped out after hacking to windward in too much wind. Then work to windward when things calm down.
List of ports safe to enter in all conditions on my website 'sailing', look on the left for detailed areas, 'N spain'.
Some places, such as Cediera, are a dream to enter in any conditions, while A Coruna is very dramatic (though safe if you stay on tracks) when there's a really big swell running.
I know optimal dates are June/July, but has anyone got experience or knowledge of what to expect slightly later?
[/ QUOTE ] Weather windows shorter, and less frequent, with slightly less reliability in the long term forecasts as a result.
Two genuine alternatives.
1. Wait for a weather window (4- 5 days?), then go well out to the west and accept that there's a 50% probability of finding a big wind, even if the weather window looked OK.
2. Instead of waiting, work your way around Brittany instead, then set off for a shorter time at sea, with your weather window prediction being more reliable. La Rochelle is the furthest south you'd go - only a two day (OK, maybe 3) window needed.
For arrival, always be flexible, with your list of ports 'safe to enter in all weathers' at hand. Then you can always do a downwind run for that last bit rather than being clapped out after hacking to windward in too much wind. Then work to windward when things calm down.
List of ports safe to enter in all conditions on my website 'sailing', look on the left for detailed areas, 'N spain'.
Some places, such as Cediera, are a dream to enter in any conditions, while A Coruna is very dramatic (though safe if you stay on tracks) when there's a really big swell running.
Sea Devil
Well-Known Member
Just to put in a plug for Buoyweather - they offer an excellent 5 day forecast with the weather at the next estimated position each of the 5 days... There is a 30 day free trial period.
I used them all the way up the Red Sea whilst I was 'net controller' and found them to be excellent - difficult area to forecast but none the less they were pretty accurate - timing being slightly off occasionally. (I gave no commercial interest in the company just think they are the best 'sailors weather service)
Personally I would go for the direct crossing unless you want to spend weeks getting there... Better to wait a week or so for a good window than spend weeks 'day sailing' some pretty rocky and strong tidal inshore routes.
Michael
I used them all the way up the Red Sea whilst I was 'net controller' and found them to be excellent - difficult area to forecast but none the less they were pretty accurate - timing being slightly off occasionally. (I gave no commercial interest in the company just think they are the best 'sailors weather service)
Personally I would go for the direct crossing unless you want to spend weeks getting there... Better to wait a week or so for a good window than spend weeks 'day sailing' some pretty rocky and strong tidal inshore routes.
Michael
LadyJessie
Well-Known Member
Bring plenty of fuel, assume that you have to motor most of the way. Contrary to the Biscay's (well-earned) reputation for ferocious weather; you can often be becalmed. Some years ago I spent 65 hours with a cruising shute up and winds no more than 4-5 knots. Delightful sailing, but not very fast.
Also contrary to the posts above, I have had no problems getting Navtex or the shipping forecast on MW/LW radio out in the Biscay. Normally I pick up the shipping forecast on LW all the way down to Gibraltar. This relieves you of the need to read synoptic charts; the people putting the forecast together can read those charts.
Finally, let me quote a very good friend of mine: "BISCAY! I hate it! Worst sailing experience I have ever had. I had to motor all the way across!" Many views......
Also contrary to the posts above, I have had no problems getting Navtex or the shipping forecast on MW/LW radio out in the Biscay. Normally I pick up the shipping forecast on LW all the way down to Gibraltar. This relieves you of the need to read synoptic charts; the people putting the forecast together can read those charts.
Finally, let me quote a very good friend of mine: "BISCAY! I hate it! Worst sailing experience I have ever had. I had to motor all the way across!" Many views......
LadyJessie
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
I would go for the direct crossing
[/ QUOTE ]Strongly agree. I think the offshore route is much safer than inshore in the Biscay in any weather. If you don't see the inshore Biscay as a separate cruising area and will spend some real time there (there are nice places); avoid it and go way out west.
I would go for the direct crossing
[/ QUOTE ]Strongly agree. I think the offshore route is much safer than inshore in the Biscay in any weather. If you don't see the inshore Biscay as a separate cruising area and will spend some real time there (there are nice places); avoid it and go way out west.
graham42
Well-Known Member
id go now if i could get some crew!
weathers almost perfect with tail winds to lisbon and further.
weathers almost perfect with tail winds to lisbon and further.
Sea Devil
Well-Known Member
try crewseekers - excellent
craw4d2003
Well-Known Member
THanks for that info it puts it into better perspective when you break it down like that.
craw4d2003
Well-Known Member
we have a Colvic Victor 50´
craw4d2003
Well-Known Member
We intend to go out west from Spain then cross as fast as we can to South coast of England, can anyone tell us where the first port of entry is on the south coast.
jimbaerselman
Well-Known Member
Ooops. Thought you were going south. Same principles apply though.
First Port of entry - Falmouth. But what flag and what last port of call? you may find you don't need a port of entry. Check hmrc website yacht rules
First Port of entry - Falmouth. But what flag and what last port of call? you may find you don't need a port of entry. Check hmrc website yacht rules
captainslarty
N/A
[ QUOTE ]
I have had no problems getting Navtex or the shipping forecast on MW/LW radio out in the Biscay
[/ QUOTE ]
Pray tell, how to get Navtex on a tranny ?????
The shipping forecast is far too vague, so is navtex, I am sorry to harp on about it, but, reading of synoptics is a. not rocket science, b. easy to rx, c. readily available.
Use the technology. (IMHO) of course ! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
I have had no problems getting Navtex or the shipping forecast on MW/LW radio out in the Biscay
[/ QUOTE ]
Pray tell, how to get Navtex on a tranny ?????
The shipping forecast is far too vague, so is navtex, I am sorry to harp on about it, but, reading of synoptics is a. not rocket science, b. easy to rx, c. readily available.
Use the technology. (IMHO) of course ! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
LadyJessie
Well-Known Member
What is a "tranny" ??
I have not expressed myself very well; it is not the problem of reading synoptic charts itself that is the issue here. As you correctly say: it is not rocket science. The problem is with the equipment you need to download it; ssb, computers, modems, link software and the kitchen sink (you can probably tell that I am not a techie). It is IMHO too much bother with all this techie stuff for the value it gives you on this particular route where there are excellent detailed weather forecasts available that you can easily pick up on a dirt cheap Sony battery powered MW/LW radio. I am a very strong believer in the KISS principle when it comes to sailing. I rather spend my time sailing the boat than battle with PC downloads over shortwave radio in the Biscay.
I have not expressed myself very well; it is not the problem of reading synoptic charts itself that is the issue here. As you correctly say: it is not rocket science. The problem is with the equipment you need to download it; ssb, computers, modems, link software and the kitchen sink (you can probably tell that I am not a techie). It is IMHO too much bother with all this techie stuff for the value it gives you on this particular route where there are excellent detailed weather forecasts available that you can easily pick up on a dirt cheap Sony battery powered MW/LW radio. I am a very strong believer in the KISS principle when it comes to sailing. I rather spend my time sailing the boat than battle with PC downloads over shortwave radio in the Biscay.
webcraft
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
it all depends on ones ability to read and interpret synoptic charts
[/ QUOTE ]
. . . which is why I would always recommend GRIBs downloaded via satphone and laptop . . . why anyone who is not a trained and experienced meteorologist thinks they can do better than a supercomputer with the latest climate model is beyond me. Weatherfaxes are better than nothing, but GRIBs are, in my practical experience, far more useful.
[ QUOTE ]
I rather spend my time sailing the boat than battle with PC downloads over shortwave radio in the Biscay.
[/ QUOTE ]
NAVTEX coverage is 100% across Biscay. and pretty straightforward . . .
- W
it all depends on ones ability to read and interpret synoptic charts
[/ QUOTE ]
. . . which is why I would always recommend GRIBs downloaded via satphone and laptop . . . why anyone who is not a trained and experienced meteorologist thinks they can do better than a supercomputer with the latest climate model is beyond me. Weatherfaxes are better than nothing, but GRIBs are, in my practical experience, far more useful.
[ QUOTE ]
I rather spend my time sailing the boat than battle with PC downloads over shortwave radio in the Biscay.
[/ QUOTE ]
NAVTEX coverage is 100% across Biscay. and pretty straightforward . . .
- W
LadyJessie
Well-Known Member
W: good point, but I would not even bother with GRIBs and satphones on this route (they are great on ocean routes though, but not really necessary here). Navtex and the shipping forecast from the BBC and France Meteo gives you plenty of information. In summary; they read the GRIB files for you so that you don't have to go through the pain of trying to download them with wet fingers in a rolling boat. Sail your boat and listen to the radio instead of getting glued to that laptop!!
A
Anonymous
Guest
Re Buoyweather...while there is quite a lot of stuff available on their website the forecasts for that part of the world are all straight from the GFS computer with no human intervention. In essence, Buoyweather is a pay portal to access what are commonly (if a little erroneously) known as "the grib files". Free sources include www.grib.us and saildocs, for those with some kind of PC-based email service at sea.
A
Anonymous
Guest
Lynda, Have you/she tried Scopaderm patches? One patch behind the ear lasts 72 hours. They used to be prescription-only then Boots started selling them as P on the pharmacy counter now they are back to POMs. You might get them over the counter in San Antonio. Scopaderm is the brand in the UK, probably also in Spain, they are hyoscine hydrochloride (scopalamine) in a patch. This is the same drug as in Kwells but I believe that the concentration in the blood is higher with the patches.
They really are the best anti seasick product for people who can tolerate them. Not everyone gets on with them so I suggest you buy some in good time to try them out. Sandy used to use them all the time but now she seems to have found her sea-legs /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
David
They really are the best anti seasick product for people who can tolerate them. Not everyone gets on with them so I suggest you buy some in good time to try them out. Sandy used to use them all the time but now she seems to have found her sea-legs /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
David
pmyatt
Well-Known Member
For seasickness, see this site: www.mahina.com/seasick.html. Although I have not tried it, have been told that the US Navy / NASA Cocktail is the biz if you can get it prescribed.